Heart Conditions: Artificial Hearts

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.

Matthew 7:15-16 (NKJV)

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:13-14 (NKJV)

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.

John 1:47 (KJV)

Guile is ‘skillful deceit: cunning intelligence.’ 

In our King’s unusual compliment (because He commended few people), we conclude that guile is common behavior. Undeniably, it's common today.

  • Advertising campaigns are built on guile.

  • Political candidates practice guile.

  • Social media spins great webs of guile.

  • Any type of “putting on” requires guile.

Here’s the big point: Guile begins in the heart. Not in brains or mouths. They’re secondary, ‘For out of the abundance of the heart. the mouth speaks’ (Matthew 12:34).

In the spirit world, people with guile have artificial hearts.* The operation happens over time. Layers of deceit form a plastic crust… that slowly suffocates love for others.

How does it begin? Deals and compromises with 'The tempter' (Matthew 4:3), 'The father of lies' (John 8:44), 'The deceiver of the whole world' (Revelation 12:9). 

PLEASE NOTE: God won’t let the devil cover our hearts. We have to give him permission… ourselves.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ: You probably know some Christian phonies. They talk about love and helping others, but the ones most loved and helped are themselves. Jesus calls them religious hypocrites:

'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness' (Matthew 23:27-28).

Back then, they were well-known Jewish leaders. Today, some are well-known Christian leaders. Their artificial hearts have done more to harm the cause of Christ… than atheists, agnostics, denouncers, and all other faiths added together!

What of the fake hearts around you today? Pray for them and model Jesus for them.

Heart Conditions: Artificial Hearts (Part 6)

* Physically speaking, In 1982, a man named Barney Clark received an artificial heart. It was the first successful surgery of its kind, and he lived 112 days after the operation. Technology has evolved, but artificial hearts remain a temporary fix to a permanent problem.

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban